1. Graduation Requirement: Minimum Institutional Credit Policy

2. Outline Higher Learning Commission Current Language Reason for Policy Benchmark Proposed Policy Next Steps Questions?

3. Curriculum Operation Support Team Amy Koning, Debbie Dewent, Elaine Kampmueller, Julie Parks, Katie Daniels, Lynnae Selberg, Paula Sullivan, Bill Faber, Diane Patrick

4. Higher Learning Commission Assumed Practices The institution maintains structures or practices that ensure the coherence and quality of the programs for which it awards a degree. Typically institutions will require that at minimum 30 of the 120 credits earned for the bachelor’s degree and 15 of the 60 credits for the associate’s degree be credits earned at the institution itself, through arrangements with other accredited institutions, or through contractual relationships approved by the Commission. Any variation from the typical minima must be explained and justified.

5. Current Catalog Language (Graduation Requirements – not an official policy) Associate’s Degree To be awarded an associate’s degree at Grand Rapids Community College, students must: Have completed 15 credits of course work at GRCC Certificate To graduate with a certificate, students must complete the coursework outlined in the GRCC catalog for the program in which they are enrolled

6. Reason for Policy No current policy exists – (we do have a current practice) Current practice does not address certificates specifically – only associate’s degrees GRCC has a range of credits (14-40+) associated with certificates (federal financial aid allows for certificates as low as 8 credits) Current language may allow students to transfer in credit and be awarded a certificate

7. Benchmarks - Minimum Credits Earned at Credential Granting Institution InstitutionAssoc.Certificate Henry Ford Community College 2075% Harper College1850% Lansing Community College2033% Washtenaw Community College 1575% Montcalm Community College1525%

8. Proposed Policy Associate’s Degree To be awarded an Associate’s Degree from Grand Rapids Community College, students must have earned a minimum of 15 credits through college-level course work at GRCC. Certificate To be awarded a Certificate from Grand Rapids Community College, students must have earned a minimum of 8 credits through college-level course work at GRCC.

9. Next Steps Share with your department Send feedback to: Diane Patrick or William Faber Please send feedback by December 23, 2014

10. Questions & Feedback